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NRECA—Jo Ann Emerson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), released the following statement in response to the testimony of EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy before the House Energy &#38; Commerce Committee Sept. 18 about the Administration’s proposed regulations governing carbon dioxide emissions from new power plants. “NRECA and its member

co-ops are disappointed to learn that the Administration has abandoned its “all-of- the- above” energy strategy and embraced an “all-but-one” approach that restricts the future use of coal to generate affordable electricity. The anticipated regulations are reported to require any new coal-burning facility to capture and store carbon dioxide, a prohibitively expensive technology that is not commercially viable.

“In doing so, the

Administration is gambling with the economic well- being of future generations and our nation’s economy. As not-for-profit, consumer- owned utilities, electric co-ops are deeply concerned about maintaining affordable, reliable electricity. It’s worth noting that residents of rural communities already spend more per capita on energy than anywhere else. “NRECA urges the

Administration to reconsider this proposal and focus on working with co-ops as we continue to reduce power plant emissions, increase efficiency and develop affordable new technologies. Together, we can improve both the environment and the quality of life for future generations.”

The National Rural Electric

Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

two new websites to better communicate the electric cooperative mission and programs: www.NRECA.coop and www. Action.coop. Members will find information on a varitety of issues, including the recent announcement by President Obama&#39;s administration to use the EPA to regulate carbon emissions from new power plants. Co-op members can stay up- to-date on the latest news and information on a broad range of topics concerning their co-op, including industry and cooperative issues, Touchstone Energy® and youth program information, as well as updates about research programs at www.NRECA.coop. Te Cooperative Action

Network, www.Action.coop, focuses on the legislative concerns of electric cooperatives. Members can go here to read about NRECA&#39;s stance on a variety of legal and political issues. Tey can also &#34;take action&#34; signing and sending a pre-written letter to the EPA.